Powder foundation is also great if you have oily skin. “Not only do they have oil-absorbing properties, but they are also less likely to clog pores which is ideal for acne-prone skin types. Just make sure you're not too heavy-handed,” says Major.
Powder foundations are weightless and have oil-absorbing properties which are great for our Wander Beauties that want to lessen shine throughout the day. Not only do they have oil-absorbing properties, they are also less likely to clog pores which is ideal for those who are acne-prone.
Try a powder: Dermatologists generally recommend powder products over liquid foundation for acne-prone skin. “Powder foundations are less likely to clog your pores since the pigment particles are larger,” says Dr. Zeichner.
A powder-based foundation consists of oil-absorbing properties and doesn't clog the pores. On the other hand, liquid foundations may settle into the pores and result in clogging. So if your skin is dry, a liquid foundation is good for you, and if you have oily skin, a powder foundation is the better choice.
Reach for a damp makeup sponge to apply your matte foundation so you can gently press the foundation into your skin. If you want to use a brush as well, you can use a dense foundation brush for blending. Blending your foundation properly can prevent your foundation from settling into your pores.
Using a cleanser with salicylic acid may help. Studies show salicylic acid can unclog pores. Some cleansers containing salicylic acid are gentle enough to use every day. If the salicylic acid dries or irritates your skin, try alternating cleansers.
Final Verdict. Our number one pick is Paula's Choice Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment 2 Percent BHA, a fan-favorite toner containing exfoliating BHA, replenishing peptides, and soothing allantoin. For folks on a budget, we recommend InstaNatural's 7 percent Glycolic AHA Toner.
Disadvantages of Powder Foundation
It can often become patchy and look like it's caked on your face. If you're looking for a smooth, glowing finish, a powder foundation probably won't be able to achieve the look you're looking for.
POWDER FOUNDATION
Skin benefits: Powder foundations shouldn't have a pore-clogging effect or leave a greasy residue since they don't use emollients or oils. Powders have a dry feel and have excellent oil-absorbing properties to lessen shine during the day.
"Powder foundation is ideal for oily to combination skin types," Dalí notes, as powder helps to control shine and provides a matte finish. Powder foundation is also ideal for anyone who wants to wear matte makeup but desires a light finish that feels breathable on the skin.
Using a loose powder can smooth over your skin and help your pores look smaller.
So, answering the main question, most liquid foundations do not clog pores. When picking up liquid foundations, look for “oil-free”, water-based foundations – these would not clog or block your pores. Alternatively, mineral foundations are a good choice if you have extremely oily or acne-prone skin.
A sweep of a good translucent powder over the whole face using a kabuki brush will blur pores, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and create a soft focus finish for your makeup look. And why a pressed powder? Simply put, they're easier to control and apply, and far less messy than loose powders!
Celebrity esthetician Cynthia Franco (who has worked with Salma Hayek, Lucy Boynton, Lena Headey, and more) points out pores can become packed and dilated with sebum, makeup, dirt, and other debris, which can ultimately cause them to stretch, making them appear larger than their natural size.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Face Cream
“Retinols are the end all, be all when it comes to pore minimizers,” says Rabach — which is why you should grab this moisturizer from Neutrogena ASAP. It contains retinol to shrink the look of pores, plus it targets fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother appearance.
Clogged pores can be the result of your glands producing too much oil. More oil on your skin increases the risk of clogged pores. But lots of other things can lead to enlarged pores, including age, skin products, hair follicles and sun damage.
You apply too much foundation
“Too much product on the skin doesn't look natural,” says Naoko. “Foundation is about enhancing, not masking – I would always advise using a small amount and then if more is needed, build it up gradually.”
A great solution to overcome these woes is to use a pore minimizing primer that fills in large pores and blurs skin imperfections. Pore-minimizing primers, as the name suggests, minimize the appearance of visible pores, and smoothen irregular skin texture to help your face makeup glide with ease.
Witch hazel oil contains natural astringent properties, which can help to close the pores on nose easily. It helps to treat the pores without drying out the skin. Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel oil and apply on the pores. Once it dries, wash off with cold water.
Powder foundations that contain hydrating ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid can also work well for mature skin types. They'll help ensure that the formula won't crease or look dry and patchy at the end of the day.
Using your foundation without powder is a great way to get a natural, light finish and save money at the same time. But this comes at a cost – skipping your setting powder may cause your foundation to change color, settle into your fine lines, and fade easily during the day.